Malaysia’s badminton legend, Datuk Lee Chong Wei announced his retirement from the game in June 2019, after weeks of speculation over his health conditions and doubts over his return to the court.
Chong Wei, who was diagnosed with an early stage nose cancer and after fighting an intense battle in Taiwan, was hoping for a last shot at gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but he could not make up to the deadlines that he set for himself.
Taking to his Instagram, Datuk Lee Chong Wei shared his fondest memories of competing in the world’s biggest sporting competition from 2004 to 2016.
His caption read: “I still remember my first Olympic games. Location? Greece. Year? 2004. Chong Wei was still young, I was only 22-years-old.”
“Following my coach’s advice, I wasn’t able to attend the opening ceremony. Not only in Greece, but in Beijing and London as well because badminton was always the first game scheduled, right after the opening ceremony,” he wrote.
However, at the 2016 Rio Olympics, he finally got the chance to be a part of the opening ceremony as Malaysia’s flag bearer.
“I was the one carrying Jalur Gemilang. I was in tears while holding the flag. I was so proud. Now I’m tearing up again just remembering the moment,” he said.
For him, 2004 wasn’t his best year and it was also the year Malaysia did not win any medal.
“My turning point was when I watched the final match between my best friend Taufik and SeungMo. I’ve never seen Taufik fight that hard on the court. And I definitely have never seen Taufik cry on the court when he won.
“When Indonesia’s national anthem “Indonesia Raya” started playing and seeing the Indonesian flag being raised during the medal ceremony, I saw Taufik, crying even more. That’s when I knew I wanted that for Malaysia as well...” he continued.
Lee Chong Wei continued his story with a second Instagram post sharing how he brought home three silver medals for Malaysia and finally defeated China’s two-time Olympic champion, Lin Dan in 2016.
He wrote: “I was determined. I want the Jalur Gemilang to be raised during the medal ceremony. I want “Negaraku” to be played on the Olympic stage.”
He continued with his post…
2008, Beijing - Lin Dan was great. It’s okay, I will try again in 4 years.
2012, London - Lin Dan again. It was a fierce game. I used up all my energy but I still lost 21-19. But I didn’t give up, I will try again in 4 years.
2016, Rio - This time I won against Lin Dan. But the gold medal was still not ours. Like Malaysians would’ve said it, my body was already… koyak. I lost to Chen Long in the finals. But at that time, I didn’t want to give up. I will try again in Tokyo.
“And the rest is history. You all know what happened. I’m sorry, Malaysia. I am really sorry. I wasn’t able to bring back the gold medal for Malaysia,” he said.
He ended his post advising Malaysian athletes to always be proud of their achievements and to do their best for themselves and the country.
“Do your best. For you, for your family, for your country, for your people back home who are also helplessly fighting their own battles. For hope. For Malaysia.”
Not gonna lie, we teared up a little.
Thank you, Datuk Lee Chong Wei for all that you’ve done for Malaysia! We are so proud of you.
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
